I was recently in New York City pitching my reality TV show concept to an executive at a major media company.
Here is the spectacular view from his 52nd floor penthouse, in downtown NYC:
He is flying to Nashville this week to talk further about my show idea.
We need some interesting *real* stories from singers… like you!
This is your chance to be on my reality television show:
Tell me (in 250 words or less) what you’ve been through, your trials, and why you want to be the next big recording star.
If we like your story you may be included on my new reality TV show series!
I look forward to hearing your story.
You can just submit a comment here on the blog.
I am very interested in submiting my story to you. Thanks
Memarie
I am interested in submitting my story. THANKS!
Alison Parson
In 2005 I was a newlywed 20 year old youth minister in small-town USA. My life’s Dream had always been to be a country music artist. I was offered a position in a Full-time Southern Gospel group. This group was made out to be much more glamorous than it was in reality. I moved across the country in order to chase this opportunity. I was lied to, and taken advantage of. When everything fell apart with the music group, my still fresh marriage fell apart also. I moved back home after the divorce. I then became a restaraunt manager. I have been managing a restaraunt for almost 2 years now, and I feel that the Talent that the Lord has given me is going to waste. I am now once again ready to chase my musical dream. I would love to be considered for your show. For pictures and a demo please feel free to send me a request via e-mail. Thanks for your time!!
I look forwad to sharing my story with you about my dreams of becoming a big recording artist. Thanks.
Brian Baxter here – a California native. After college I moved to Japan where I fronted and sang country covers for a Japanese country band. After Japan, I moved to Italy, where I really dived into the craft of songwriting – as time progressed I knew my next move would be to Music City. With a 34 song catalogue, I moved to Nashville in the October 2005 with dreams of making my life and living with music as the center piece. I took the first step as most do, playing original songs in writer rounds. Songwriter nights lead to demo singing studio work and in 2008 I was nominated in the Top 5 for Male Demo Singer of the Year. At the end of 2008, I paired with a seasoned industry veteran and began shifting focus toward artist development. This path eventually evolved from myself as a one person act to a trio act going by the name of KURTIS. My talented friends and loyal co-writers Shawn Rhem and Eric Moore aka Luckey and I joined forces to create KURTIS. We are in the final stages of finishing our freshman album titled MONEY TREES, being released mid Sept 2009. The path hasn’t been without hurdles – criticism and negativity from the competition are part of it. I have had to change my phone number twice, stolen identity issues. Even us friends – we have personality juggling, occasional fights over which lyrics are better for the song we are writing. http://www.myspace.com/kurtismusik http://www.kurtismusik.com
Hey Cathy! Hope my story gets picked! I’ll cross my fingers and say a little prayer! 🙂
Jasmine Morgan— I started performing in church at age 8. I then went on to perform broadway music and opera for a long period of time. Growing up in a small farm town in Pennsylvania, I ventured into country music, a regional favorite, around the age of 14. Soon after, I began performing at fairs, festivals, private events, and was even in a competition with Taylor Swift, back at Pat Garrett’s Roadhouse, before she ever made it big! I worked on perfecting a high energy stage show and involving my audience whether I was singing with tracks, or performing with my band! My parents took off work and sacrificed everything to travel with me down to Nashville a number of times to record music and meet songwriters. My mother (a native of the Philippines) traveled back home to her island to promote my music throughout Manila. I even had the opportunity to work with another agency that promoted my music in Japan. I continued to perform music and work with a booking agency throughout college as I pursued a bachelor’s degree in Music Business. And throughout my time I have been fortunate enough to open up for some great musicians like Trick Pony, Josh Turner, Ronnie McDowell, Ty Herndon, Jeff Bates, and The Platters. I’ve learned a little somthing from each of them! I eventually was able to start working with you (Cathy Lemmon) and some GREAT song writers, to co-write and record original music. I was even fortunate enough to work with music producer Chuck Howard and some amazing musicians! I still continue to perform throughout the East Coast and promote my music. I’m singing, growing, and learning more each day! I have what it takes. I know I do! I’m a go-getter, full of energy, creative, and spunky! I’ve been training for this since I was 8! I’m ready, and searching for the right opportunity. I’m prepared and I appreciate every opportunity that’s come my way, and I work hard. I’m willing to go the distance. I want to be challenged!
My Mother started me singing at the age of 2 and she pushed my career all her life, until cancer took her a few years ago. My entire life, I have fought “tooth and nail” trying to get a break in the music business as a singer, songwriter and performer and have literally done everything from living on peanut butter sandwiches to watching my equipment truck fall down a 50 foot embankment, nearly losing everything, including my band. Through it all, I have never given up on my music!
I finally got a break by landing a financial backer and manager, enabling me to record a CD and release a single to radio. The single, “Somebody Stole The Sun” topped the charts in Europe and has limited success in the U.S. I am proud of the fact that this single charted twice on the Music Row charts in Nashville with my self-titled CD, “RONNIE BAKER”, getting an unbelievable review from Billboard Magazine!
My continuous struggle in the U.S. was primarily caused by my former Manager and financial backer. On the most important day of my life and music career, I performed in a showcase with some of the best musicians in Nashville, with most of the major record labels in attendance and some nice comments were heard about the performance. Instead of speaking to some of the record label representatives after the showcase, my Manager immediately left town and there was no contact on his part to anyone in attendance. It was over 2 months before he even responded to me!
After paying dues all my life, it seems that outside forces primarily have kept me from getting a break. I have come so close, so many times to “making it” and this is why I think I should be the Next Big Country Star!
I’d love to be considered for your reality show. I left my fulltime proessional position to pursue a career in Christian music. I was told that I was to old, I didn’t have the look, and I was lacking the resources. Although the first three years were awful, and I managed to make every mistake possible, I rallied and now have a successful traveling music ministry doing about 80 dates a year. I’ve self published a book – Called To Sing, 13 Mistakes To AVoid When Starting In Music Ministry. And I recently moved to Nashville to continue to grow my career as a Christian artist. My goal is to become one of the most successful independent Christian artists in the nation sharing the love of Christ with the world! I have a PhD in education, I am a writer and have a number of adventures that I think would make good reality TV! I’d love to send you a full media package. Thanks so much for your consideration! Blessings! Naima
I am a singer/songwriter who was featured on NBC’S Starting Over-I tried feverishly to make a dent by being a black female country artist- after a car accident took me off my feet- I decided to work more at the songwriting. I have written over 300 songs and have the know how to put a good song together- I’ve always dreamt of making it or having someone famous to sing my tunes. I’ve met some wonderful folks along the way, but have been very private about my own struggles. I have almost lost everything and had to fight to keep what I still have. It has been very difficult, but I still continue to write- whether I sing them or not- I know I am a good writer- please hook me up with Gretchen Wilson- I’d love for her to sing one of my hell raisers!!!!
Hi Audrey! Your story is inspiring. I wish the show had happened, but it was never launched!We’d still love to hear some of your original songs. You can mp3 them at: [email protected]
Have a great week-end!
Cathy
Born blind at birth with eyes totally crossed this new country artist had to overcome surgery of his eyes to correct the problem in his first year of life. Not knowing that his eyes would be impaired for life, Todd had to overcome this blindness to someday realize that his loss of sight would develop a keen hearing for music.
Hi Todd,
Sorry the show never happened for us! You have come a long way, not letting your blindness stop you from pursuing your dream! I know God is proud of your many accomplishments, and so am I! Keep up the good work!
Love,
Cathy
I’m Josh and I’m 16 years old. I come from a small town called Concrete. I spend most of my time studying, writing, and recording music with a recording set-up I made in my room. The lyrics I write come from the heart of true experiences I’ve had in life, so far… Experiences such as the heartache of love (not sappy) and my homelife, experiences I’ve had while getting stoned and drunk with my junkie friends in town and some of the hardships I had to deal with living that life. I’ve learned a lot from these experiences and have become stronger as a person, and now express this through my music…
Hi Josh,
The show never got launched. But you are welcome to submit your music for a free evaluation. You can mp3 a few of your songs to: [email protected]
I hope the music is doing great for you!
Cathy
Becoming a country music artist has been my dream for most of my life. My grandfather introduced me to country music. In 1998 while in the hospital fighting his battle with lung cancer he said to me, you have to promise me that you will NEVER give up one becoming a country music artist, because you have what it takes.I was a senior in high school and my grandfather was everything to me.. I promised him that day that I would NEVER give up,and 2 days later he passed away with all of us at his side.
I am now 29 years old and have a family of my own and this pushes me even more to keep that promise to not only my grandfather but for them as well.
People want this for many different reasons.some for the money,some just for the fame, I myself want this (1.) Because god blessed me with a talent and I believe he gave it to me for a reason. (2.)I would LOVE to be able to build a park for disabled children,My oldest child was born with spina bifida and I believe that disabled children should have a park they can go to and not be pushed around,a park they can call their own.
I believe that someday I will get my chance to shine because I believe in myself and in God .
Hi Tonya,
I wish that the show had gotten off the ground like we wanted. I guess it was bad timing and not enough funding. But you do have some wonderful songs, and you are a terrific Mother, which you should be proud of. I’m sure God is so pleased with your hard work abd sacrifice in taking care of your son and your whole family!We are still hoping to get one of your songs picked up soon!
Love,
Cathy
i’d love to tell my story! is there an email address i can send it to without just posting it as a comment here on the blog??
Hello Olivia,
I’m sorry the shhow never got off the ground. But we are happy to listen to your vocal and/or songwriting talent. You can mp3 your songs to: [email protected]
Cathy
Shannon Lee born on the 30th of April in Melbourne Australia.. Is the eldest of four.
growing up i was always the sporty kid but always loved music but was always to afraid to go for it..it hasnt been till i stopped caring what other people think that now i am finally happy at what i am doing and everything i am learning.17 years of Age Shannon is quickly learning what it takes to spread her music.
Shannon has recently got back from Hollywood CA,cowriting and recording with Los Angeles born singer/musician, 4 time 1 Hit Billboard songwriter and record producer, with 17x Platinum status Eddie Galan most known for his work on high school musical x
Shannon,
The show did not happen, bad timing, not enough funding at the time. But we are happy to listen to your songs. You can mp3 a few of your demos to: [email protected]
Cathy
Hi. I have a unique story of an artist that back in the 90’s toured with one of the hottest entertainers in R&B. Opened for Boys to Men, Brian McKnight and now is in a country duo. His story of how he was discovered to now is from fame to trying to make it again. Cool story.
Tim
Tim,
I’m sorry the show never happened, bad timing and not enough funds to launch it. I hope all is going great in your world! The artist you were describing sounds like a really exciting and interesting story!
Cathy
Hey my name is Mabry Thorn and I saw your ad on Taltopia and am very interested in this show. I am 18 and have been writing music for as long as i can remember. I live in Marbury, Alabama and there is no harder place on this earth to make it than here. I play a range of rock from blink-182 to john mayorish type music. I would just like to let you know that no matter what it takes to get on this show ill do it because this would be THE PERFECT STEP to get me out of here and with other people interested in the sanme thing as me. If you would like to know my life’s story (WARNING:VERY BUMPY) just let me know!! THANK YOU!!!!
Hi Charles,
I’m sorry, the show did not end up happening. Poor timing, not enough funding, and now there are a few similar shows on tv! But you are welcome to submit a demo for a free evaluation of your vocal and/or songwriting talent to my e-mail address at: [email protected]
Send as mp3 or you can send with hightail or dropbox.
Cathy
Started out singing at a very young age in Detroit Michigian. Gospel, R & B and whatever I could involve myself in with music. Attended the Fine performace arts school in Detroit. Have been on stage with some of motowns greatest. Did a mcdonald’s commerical. Parents signed a record deal because I was under age. They did not the music business so I was played over in the music industry. So I would love to do this show to let the world know that my life story is not my ending story. It would take more than 250 words to tell my story. This would be a chance for the world to see Detroits Own Tramaine Gandy known for the hit single Crazy bout your love.
Hi Trey, unfortunately the show did not happen…bad timing, not enough funding, and now there are shows very similar on tv!But you are welcome to submit your songs/demos for a free evaluation. You can mp3 them to : [email protected]
Cathy
Ill start off by saying ive had the ride of life and still struggling every day to make my way to a better day. I have a pretty interesting story, so long it would take a book or a movie to really catch the concept, music has been my prescription for the trails a tribulations ive been through it makes me strive to be a better person a better mother and a mentor for the young people across the world who are dealing with the same pain and abondonment that i felt at a younger age, even though im only 25 im seeing life threw a wise womens eyes and have the look of a young lost female so people are thrown off by the women who is inside, the women behind the look. My music speeks for it self.I would love to be apart of you project.
Hi Crystalynn,
I remember we corresponed not too long ago. You are welcome to e-mail me a few of your songs to : [email protected], via mp3. I’m happy to listen to what you have. You are right, sadness, trial, and tragedy make wonderful inspiring songs.
Cathy